Yankees News: Russell Branyan Signs Minor League Deal

Read More: Russell Branyan (1B - NYY), New York Yankees

The New York Yankees have come to terms with Russell Branyan on a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training, according to a report from the New York Post's Dan Martin.

Branyan batted .197 with five homers and 14 RBI a season ago with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Angels, primarily functioning as a pinch hitter. Always known more for his power than average, the lefty swatted a combined 56 home runs in the 2009 and 2010 seasons with the Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Indians. He hit .237 with 25 homers and 57 RBI in 2010, and .251 with 31 home runs and 76 RBI in 2009.

The signing is not expected to keep the Yankees from targeting other left-handed hitters; Martin reports the Yankees are still looking at Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Raul Ibanez.

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